We're staying: Harry and Meghan to give up patronages and remain in the US

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to the Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace added that Harry and Meghan will hand over various patronages and honorary military titles.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.

“Following conversations with the Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service," the statement said.

"The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.

“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”

Harry and Meghan quit as senior working royals in March 2020 to earn their own money in the US, where they have signed deals with Spotify and Netflix estimated to be worth more than £100 million.

They are also set to discuss the split in an interview with US chatshow star Oprah Winfrey next month.

The final decision not to return was made after conversations between Harry and members of the royal family.

The future of the Duke of Sussex’s honorary military titles must be decided upon Credit: Finbarr Webster/PA

The move means Prince Harry can no longer be Captain General of the Royal Marines - an honorary position he only recently took from his grandfather Prince Philip upon his retirement.The military, Commonwealth and charitable associations which will revert to the Queen are:

  • The Royal Marines

  • RAF Honington

  • Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving

  • The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust

  • The Rugby Football Union

  • The Rugby Football League

  • The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities

The Duchess of Sussex (right) visiting the National Theatre in London, after becoming its patron. Credit: PA

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.

“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

Shortly after the announcement, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed that Harry would be stepping down from his role as a patron.

It said in a post on the England Rugby Twitter account: “We would like to thank Prince Harry for his time and commitment to the RFU both in his position as Patron and Vice Patron.

“The RFU has greatly valued his contribution to promoting and supporting the game.”

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust also thanked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their support.

The organisation, set up to support young people throughout The Commonwealth, said: “We have been very lucky to have had the keen support and encouragement of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in our formative years.

“They have enabled us to make fast progress and have helped us to take the organisation to readiness for its next phase."

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